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Genital warts is one of the most common
sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs).
Most people will be exposed to a form of HPV at some point in their lives. Not everyone will become infected or develop symptoms.

Causes

Genital warts are caused by the
human papillomavirus
(HPV). There are many different types of HPV. Only a few types are thought to cause genital warts.
Many types of HPV are associated with harmless
skin warts
found on the fingers or feet.

Certain types of HPV may cause
cervical cancer
. Less commonly, certain strains of HPV can cause cancers of the vulva, anus, or penis.

HPV is easily spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. Most people who have sex with an infected partner will also develop genital warts.

Warts can also be spread to an infant during delivery if the mother has genital warts.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk for HPV and genital warts include:

Multiple sexual partners

First male sexual partner has had two or more previous sexual partners (for women)

Symptoms

Genital warts often look like fleshy, raised growths. They can have a cauliflower shape, and often appear in clusters. Some warts may be flat. The warts may not be easy to see with the unaided eye. Warts can take several weeks or months to appear after the infection.

In women, warts may be found in the following areas:

Vulva or vagina

Inside or around the vagina or anus

Cervix

In men, warts are less common. If present, they are usually found in these areas:

Tip or shaft of the penis

Scrotum

Around the anus

While warts do not usually cause symptoms, the following may occur:

Bleeding

Itching

Irritation

Diagnosis

Genital warts may be diagnosed by:

Visual Exam

A doctor can usually diagnose genital warts by looking at them. If external warts are found on a woman, then the cervix is usually also checked. A doctor may use a special solution to help find lesions that do not have classic features.

Biopsy

A sample of tissue will be taken and tested for HPV.

Treatment

Treatment help the symptoms, but does not cure the virus. The virus stays in your body. This means the warts may recur.

Your treatment depends on the size and location of the warts. Not all warts need to be treated. If left untreated, some may go away on their own, but others may stay. Some warts may also get larger or spread.

Treatments
may include:

Topical Treatments

Topical medication is applied directly to the skin.
Your doctor may recommend one of these medications:

Imiquimod cream

Sinecatechins ointment

Podophyllin resin

Podofilox solution

Trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid

Cryosurgery, Electrocautery, or Laser Treatment

Methods that instantly destroy warts include:

Cryosurgery (freezing)

Electrocautery (burning)

Laser treatment

These methods are used on small warts. It may be used on larger warts that have not responded to other treatment. A large wart can also be removed with surgery.

Prevention

The only way to completely prevent HPV from spreading is to avoid physical contact with infected partners.

Latex condoms may help reduce the spread of HPV infection and genital warts. Condoms are not 100% effective because they do not cover the entire genital area.

Other ways to help prevent infection include:

Abstain from sex

Have a monogamous relationship

Get regular check-ups for STDs

Vaccine

There is a
vaccine
for
HPV. It is given over a series of three injections to girls and boys aged 11-12 years old. If you are aged 26 or younger and were not vaccinated, you can receive a catch-up vaccine series.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Genital Warts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/genital-warts.htm. Updated February 8, 2012. Accessed May 23, 2013.

Cervical cancer screening. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq085.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130205T1433163887. Published February 2013. Accessed May 23, 2013.

Saslow D, Soloman D, et al. American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and American Society for Clinical Pathology screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
.
2012 Mar 14 early online.